Report shows uptick in number of Medicare Advantage plans in 2019

Nationwide, 2,734 Medicare Advantage plans will be available for individual enrollment in 2019 – an increase of 417 plans since 2018, according to a report this week by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The report, which analyzed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data, also said that the average beneficiary will be able to choose among 24 plans in 2019, up from 21 in 2018, and the number of Special Needs Plans also will increase from 630 plans in 2018 to 717 plans in 2019. The report also highlights variation in the number of plans offered across counties, and said 14 insurers will be entering the MA market for the first time in 2019, offering products in 26 states. Open enrollment for 2019 MA plans began Oct. 15.